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Cornell University

William Keeton House

Keeton Active Citizens

group of students near lake

Keeton's Active Citizens program is our House's expression of that mission, focused on where our community is right now: holistic wellness, real connection, genuine curiosity, and stepping out of competition and accomplishment to explore who you are and what you're here for.

Who are Active Citizens (ACs)?

Keeton Active Citizens are returning residents who help ground our community — the neighbors who show up, make space for others, and help Keeton feel like a place to slow down and be a whole person, not just a student racing toward the next accomplishment. ACs host events, lead initiatives, help steward Keeton House Dean’s Council, participate in Conversations @ Keeton, and welcome new transfer students.

Why are there Active Citizens?

Active Citizens help Keeton pursue a sense of belonging, safety, and wellbeing for the whole House — and a community where students can navigate everything Cornell offers without losing themselves in the process. They do this by prioritizing informal connection, self-governance, and programming that centers presence over performance. In turn, Keeton House is invested in recognizing and keeping the residents who help build that culture.

What Active Citizens Grow

Being an AC is a chance to build real skills and self-awareness:

  • Active Citizenship — show up for others, take ownership of your role in the community, and engage in ways that genuinely benefit the people around you.
  • Health & Wellbeing — build mindfulness and resilience strategies, know the resources that help you succeed, and practice self-care that actually sticks.
  • Cultural Learning — get clearer on your own values and identity, and build understanding of people who see the world differently.
  • Intellectual Inquiry — stay curious in and out of the classroom, and notice how ideas connect across different parts of your life.

Why become an Active Citizen?

As a Keeton Active Citizen, you get to:

  • Receive early timeslots in the Continued Occupancy process to select your bed in Keeton for next year. 
  • Receive first priority sign up for events with limited space such as bus trips, and meals with visiting guests.
  • Receive a Certificate of Recognition each year, plus Leadership Honor Cords and a stole for graduation.
  • Help shape the community, in partnership with House Leadership.
  • Build real experience planning, leading, and running events, from small gatherings to House-wide programs.
  • Access a House budget to bring your ideas to life.
  • Represent and advocate for the Keeton community to House Leadership 

Active Citizen Expectations

All Active Citizens commit to three semesters of engagement, beginning in the Fall semester of their selection.

Required Activities:

  • Host at least one study-break or decompression event per semester.
  • Contribute to Keeton Dean’s Council (our student governance body) including attending regular meetings and serving on one of the committees OR attend at least three sessions each of Conversations @ Keeton (Fall) and its Spring counterpart. 
  • Participate in the New Transfer Student Reception each semester (travel and academic obligations are acceptable reasons for missing these).

Additional/Optional Ways to Engage in the House:

  • Attend the Active Citizens retreat at the start of each semester.
  • Join the leadership cohort of the Community Engaged Group Leadership Certification program with the Einhorn Center.
  • Show up for House events — dinners, wellness nights, programs — hosted by GRFs, URFs, and fellow ACs.
  • Build a relationship with the GRF and URF on your floor.
  • Be a familiar, informal presence for your neighbors and a resource for new transfer students.
  • Share feedback with House Leadership to help shape where the community is headed.
  • Help out at Info Sessions to recruit the next round of ACs.

Not meeting required expectations may mean not being selected as an AC the following year and/or losing planning and budget privileges.

Application Process

Active Citizens are selected through an online application in September, which asks for basic information, for some ideas you'd want to bring to life in Keeton, and Housing Selection logistics. Applicants must also sign up for Continued Occupancy through the Housing portal.

Up to 15 ACs will be selected each year. Selected ACs will be notified before the Continued Occupancy process takes place.

APPLY NOW- Applications are currently open. Due 5pm September 18th 

Eligibility

All current Keeton residents with an active housing license for the academic year are eligible. Selected ACs are expected to begin engaging in the Fall semester following selection. Current Active Citizens must reapply to continue the following academic year.

Residents planning to study abroad or participate in another Cornell-affiliated program are still eligible to apply.